Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Madison is 17% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,364/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 1%
$76,983/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 12%
$346,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 33%
$1,476/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 9%
275,568
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,225/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Hampton — common questions

Is Madison or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Hampton?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Hampton?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $9,225/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Virginia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Hampton

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Hampton vs. West Valley City Hampton vs. Cedar Rapids Hampton vs. Columbia Hampton vs. Dayton Hampton vs. Warren Hampton vs. Pasadena